Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is typically positioned as a light twin-engine rotorcraft for EMS, police, training, and short-to-medium utility missions. In category terms it sits in the light segment, with a commonly configured passenger capacity around five to seven depending on interior and mission kit, and a practical range that is generally in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles, optimized for regional legs rather than long point-to-point travel. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is also a light twin, often viewed as slightly roomier and more performance-oriented in the same broad class. It is commonly configured for about six to seven passengers, and its typical range is likewise in the mid-hundreds of nautical miles, often competitive with or modestly ahead of the H135 depending on fuel, payload, and reserves. The Leonardo AW169 steps up into the intermediate twin category. It usually carries more passengers, commonly around eight to ten in transport layouts, and it generally offers longer legs—often pushing toward the upper end of the mid-hundreds of nautical miles—making it better suited to heavier loads, more cabin volume, and longer regional missions.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.29 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 365 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,500,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13.25 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 130 | 222.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | 49.5 |